Both Japan and South Korea sit in Asia & Pacific, but their tax structures take different paths. On a ￥11,000,000 gross, the effective tax burden in Japan is roughly 18.0% higher than in South Korea — driven by differences in Shakai vs 4대보험, bracket structure, and personal allowance.
Same nominal gross applied to both tax systems. Currencies aren't FX-converted — compare structures, not purchasing power.
Japan combines a seven-band national income tax with a flat 10% local inhabitant tax and roughly 15% social insurance (health, pension, employment). The system is automatically deducted via the year-end adjustment (nenmatsu chōsei), so most employees never file a return.
South Korea uses an eight-band income tax with a top rate of 45%, plus a 10% local income tax. The four mandatory insurances — national pension, health, employment, and long-term care — total around 9.4% for the employee. A standard earned-income deduction reduces the taxable base substantially.
Pre-calculated breakdowns at common pay levels in Japan — open either side for the full page.
Last updated: 2026. Estimates only — see the disclaimer above.